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Target with Intent: How to Identify and Pursue Your Ideal Government Customer By: Dr. Zamora Crawford Olin, DBA, MBA

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Dr. Zamora Crawford Olin is the CEO of Crawford Olin, LLC, and Founder of the GovCon Growth Lab. An expert in federal acquisitions and small business development, she helps entrepreneurs navigate and succeed in government contracting. Learn more at crawfordolin.com and connect with the GovCon Growth Lab community. In government contracting (GovCon), opportunity is everywhere! For small business owners, especially those new to the federal marketplace, it’s tempting to cast a wide net and pursue every solicitation that even loosely aligns with your capabilities. But here’s the truth: trying to serve everyone often results in serving no one well. Success in the government space isn’t about bidding more; it’s about bidding smarter. The most effective small businesses don’t win by luck; they win by choosing their customers with care, learning everything they can about those agencies, and tailoring their approach for maximum impact. This article will show you how to create a focused ...
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Make AI Work for You: Talk to It Like You Talk to Your Girls by ShaRae Carlock

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ShaRhae Carlock —a business and AI consultant from Kansas City, MO. I help brands and  organizations grow with purpose by blending smart strategy, innovation, and a whole lot of heart. Let’s connect on IG @sharhaestarrc or LinkedIn! Let’s be real, if you’ve ever opened up ChatGPT or another AI tool, stared at that blinking cursor, and typed something like “marketing ideas for small business”… and felt underwhelmed by what came back, you’re not alone. But here’s the game-changer: You don’t need to “sound smart” for AI to work. You need to sound like YOU. Next time you open your favorite AI chatbot, skip the cold keywords and start talking like you’re texting your girls. Why? Because AI responds better when it knows who it’s talking to, and that’s where your magic lives. Instead of This: “Email subject line ideas” Try This: “Hey, I’m launching a digital course for ambitious women in business. Can you give me 5 email subject lines that feel bold, empowering, and like something I’d act...
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Mid-Year Reset: A Holistic Check-In for Black Women Entrepreneurs By Dr. Bisa

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Dr. Bisa Batten Lewis is the heart and mind behind #ThePAIDeducator Movement. A  beacon of expertise in professional competence and educator development, she is a  best-selling author, renowned public speaker, philanthropist, and successful serial  entrepreneur. With a rich educational background, Dr. Bisa is a well-rounded visionary,  motivator, and BOSS! Hey, BOSS! As we reach the midpoint of 2025, it’s time to pause, reflect, and realign—not just with our business goals, but with our inner self. As Black women entrepreneurs, our journey can be layered with both purpose and pressure. Whether you’re celebrating major wins or navigating a season of stagnation, I invite you to check in holistically—mind, mission, and money. Reflecting on the First Half The first half of the year may have brought growth, unexpected pivots, or moments of questioning. This reflection isn’t about judgment—it’s about clarity. Start by asking yourself: How do I feel in my business?. Wh...
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Fun Fitness Entrepreneurs by Shavonne Reed

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Shavonne Reed is an acclaimed speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, and marketing executive. As founder and CEO of OPUA, a health and wellness company, she focuses on chronic disease prevention. A trained journalist and host of the Future Health NOW podcast, she’s passionate about promoting healthier lifestyles and generational health. Recess for Grown-Ups: Fun Ways to Stay Active Without Feeling Like You're Working Out Remember when staying active was just a natural part of life? Back when recess, jump rope, and roller skating were the highlights of your day? Well, guess what? Exercise doesn’t have to feel like another chore on your never-ending to-do list. As a busy entrepreneur, you already juggle enough responsibilities—why not make movement something you actually look forward to? It’s time to ditch the idea that fitness has to mean grueling workouts and boring routines. Instead, let’s bring back the childhood joy of moving just for the fun of it! The Power of Play: Why Fun Mov...
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How Women-Owned Small Businesses Can Win Big in Government Contracting By: Dr. Zamora Crawford Olin, DBA, MBA

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Dr. Zamora Crawford Olin is the CEO of Crawford Olin, LLC, and Founder of the GovCon Growth Lab. An expert in federal acquisitions and small business development, she helps entrepreneurs navigate and succeed in government contracting. Learn more at crawfordolin.com and connect with the GovCon Growth Lab community. When people think of powerhouse customers, they often imagine Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies. But the U.S. federal government stands as the largest and most reliable customer in the world. If you're a woman-owned small business (WOSB), the doors to federal contracting are wide open. But getting through those doors and building a lasting presence requires knowledge, strategy, and a good measure of patience. In this article, we’ll walk through what government contracting is, the barriers women-owned businesses often face, and the strategies that can help you not just enter but thrive in this competitive marketplace. Understanding the World of Government Contr...
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Sis, Work Smarter: Why Every Black Woman in Business Should Be Using AI by ShaRhae Carlock

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ShaRhae Carlock —a business and AI consultant from Kansas City, MO. I help brands and  organizations grow with purpose by blending smart strategy, innovation, and a whole lot of heart. Let’s connect on IG @sharhaestarrc or LinkedIn! As Black women, we wear so many hats—CEO, visionary, mother, sister, mentor, creative, strategist… and that’s just Monday. We know what it means to show up and make things happen. But in this new era of business, showing up smarter is the real power move. That’s where AI (artificial intelligence) comes in. You don’t need to be a tech expert. You don’t need to code. What you do need is the mindset that says: I deserve tools that make my life easier and my business better. Let’s talk about how AI can help you do just that. AI is not replacing our magic—it’s enhancing it. From automating emails to personalizing customer experiences, AI gives us the ability to work smarter, not harder. Here are just a few ways it can help elevate your hustle: • Content Crea...
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BOSS Member Spotlight: Dr. Nadine C. Duncan

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Dr. Nadine C. Duncan is a visionary travel curator, educator, and Traveling Black Women Network founder . Dedicated to redefining what it means to travel as a Black woman, she creates spaces for connection, culture, and community. Her work empowers women to explore the world confidently and unapologetically. 1. What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? In the beginning, one of the biggest obstacles I faced was representation—or rather, the lack of it. I didn’t see many Black women who looked like me in travel media or at the decision-making tables in the travel industry. That lack of visibility created doubt: Would anyone see the value in what I wanted to create? Would anyone follow? I also struggled with access to resources, funding, and mentors who could guide me specifically through the niche of cultural travel entrepreneurship. But I pushed forward, knowing that if I felt unseen, other women did too. 2. What inspired you ...
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